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If your 401(k) is a big deal in your retirement savings strategy, you’re not alone. According to the Investment Company Institute (ICI), more than 52 million workers participate in a 401(k) plan. That adds up to $4.7 trillion in retirement assets, making 401(k)s one of the most common sources of retirement income for U.S. workers.

But plans vary from employer to employer, so not every 401(k) plan is what it’s cracked up to be. The last thing you need is to throw your retirement investing budget away in a plan that’s going nowhere. Take a look at some reasons why you might consider stopping your contributions to your employer’s 401(k), then check out our suggestions for how to keep your retirement plan on track without one.

Blessing your children and spouse with gifts is one of the greatest joys of Christmas.

But what about everyone else?

Between friends, co-workers and extended family, where do you draw the line? You don’t want to leave anyone out, but you also don’t want to stretch your Christmas budget to the limit.

Before you hit the packed mall and online stores this year, set some gift-buying boundaries. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize accordingly. And absolutely refuse to go into debt for anyone—no matter how cute they would look in that Rudolph sweater.

There you are, enjoying a plate of pita chips and salmon dip at your neighbor’s annual party, when someone mentions Dave Ramsey. Suddenly, you’re on trial. And you get an earful of questions and comments like:

Oh, you’re a Dave fan? I agree with everything he says except . . .

Be honest: How many credit cards do you really have?

No one can afford to pay for Christmas with cash. It’s too expensive!

After a few rounds of this, you start searching for the nearest exit. While it may not be fun to take the high road, it’s your best option. Here are some easy tips for defusing a heated money conversation this holiday season:

Those of us who spend any significant amount of time online know the evils that come with the social media obsessed world we live in. Fortunately, there is a shining light amidst all the cyberbullying and heated debates regarding the election. Among the internet drudgery, there is a saving grace, a beacon of hope, which comes in the form of videos of adorable puppies and kittens. These videos, which feature our canine and feline friends doing everything from saving their owners in medical emergencies to simply yawning, can inspire even the most stoic of us to want to run out to our nearest humane society and adopt a furry friend. The impulse is hard to resist, and a dog or cat can be the perfect new member of a family, but there are other factors to consider, including the cost of responsibly owning a pet.

Okay, so that’s not really a shock to any parent. From the day you brought your kids home, they wanted to be the center of your universe—partly because they depended on you and partly because they wanted their needs met as quickly as possible.

Even if patience is a virtue, it’s still a challenge to make it a part of our normal lives—and the lives of our kids. But one great way to nurture patience is by saving money, which is where you can connect with your kids in a meaningful way.

When it comes to saving for retirement, most people aren’t saving enough—and they know it. Of those who are already saving, a Ramsey Research study found that 70% wish they could save more. That makes sense in light of the fact that only one in 10 Americans are saving the recommended 15% of their income toward their future.

But planning for your retirement doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Increasing the size of your nest egg—and your ability to live out your dreams in your golden years—can be as simple as increasing the percentage you put toward retirement every month.

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Interested in working with Brandon? Give us a call today. The first meeting is no cost- just an honest conversation about your experiences with money, your short and long term goals, and what’s currently in place.

Brandon Kennedy

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201 W. Big Beaver Rd.
Suite 715
Troy, MI 48084

Securities offered through LPL Financial,Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through HighPoint Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. The LPL Financial registered representative associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact business in the states of AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, MI, NC, OH, and TX.